Georgia Department of Community Affairs newsletter, Sept. 2015

September 2015
NEWS AND EVENTS
$37.4 million in CDBG funds awarded to 79 Georgia communities

Community Done Right success stories are a result of local governments
adopting a partnership attitude with DCA and with each other and are examples to
follow for all Georgia communities.

DCA team hosted recipient workshop and "big check" awards presentation on Jekyll Island

REGION 1: The Appalachian Regional
Inland Port project

Gov. Nathan Deal, the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA), Murray County, and CSX Transportation signed an agreement on July 28 to establish the Appalachian Regional Inland Port in Chatsworth. The port will service North Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky.

DCA Commissioner Camila Knowles, seated, told representatives from dozens of Georgia cities and counties that she has looked forward to giving out the "big checks" since she took the helm of DCA in January. Early County was just one of 79 Georgia communities to receive a total of more than $37 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). With support from State Rep. Gerald Greene, pictured far right, Early will use its $500,000 award to renovate its local Behavioral & Mental Health Center, improving the client experience.

Murray County was awarded a $500,000 OneGeorgia Equity grant to assist with site preparation for the multi-modal port development comprising of a rail terminal for international and domestic cargo to be planned, designed and constructed by the GPA and serviced by CSX Railway. CSX has committed $5.4 million to the project with public investment of $8.1 million committed from Murray County ($700,000) and the GPA ($7.4 million). The total project cost is $23.5 million.
While physically located on 42 acres in Murray County, elected officials in Region 1 recognize that the port will bring shared prosperity to most, if not all, of the area. Murray County Sole Commissioner Brittany Pittman called the Inland Port "a business magnet" with the potential to create jobs all over the region and beyond and to greatly reduce truck traffic throughout the state but particularly through Atlanta.
"This project is a great use of the OneGeorgia Equity grant program as well as ARC [Appalachian Regional Commission] grant funds and is a 'win' for all of Georgia," said DCA Commissioner Knowles in an address to the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission members in August.
The $24 million facility is scheduled to open by 2018 with an initial capacity of 50,000 transportation containers for truck and rail and a 10-year plan to double that capacity.

Sixty-six Georgia communities received almost $31.9 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for infrastructure improvements, neighborhood revitalization, and centers that will serve Georgia's neediest citizens at a presentation at the Westin Jekyll Island Hotel on Sept. 11. In addition, $5.5 million in CDBG Employment Incentive Program (EIP) and Redevelopment Fund (RDF) resources were awarded to 13 communities to invest in economic development and redevelopment projects that are creating 640 jobs and more than $199 million in private investment.
Administered by DCA on behalf of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the CDBG program annually supports projects in Georgia's smaller cities and counties that create jobs and assist low- and moderate-income citizens. Gov. Nathan Deal announced the 79 winning communities and their projects, out of a field of 129 applications submitted in April, on Aug. 21 in a Capitol press release.
"Strong, vibrant communities help attract companies to the state," said Deal in the release. "The projects funded by this program will enhance the quality of life for Georgians while supporting job growth and economic development. By leveraging this funding with private investment and local funds, small and rural communities are able to maximize the opportunities afforded by the CDBG program and strengthen the foundation for a prosperous business climate."
Awards ranging from $282,435 to $800,000 will be used for specific projects such as water, sewer, drainage or street improvements, revitalization of targeted neighborhoods, and construction of health facilities, as well as senior citizen and youth centers.
"The impact that the annual Community Development Block Grant awards make on infrastructure, revitalization, and job creation and retention throughout Georgia is remarkable," said DCA Commissioner Knowles. "The project application review process is a highly competitive one, and we appreciate the diligence that went into each community's application. The DCA staff looks forward to working with each community as they use these resources to make a difference in the lives of their local citizens."
Click here for a complete list of the 2015 CDBG awards recipients and their project descriptions.

During the signing event GPA Executive Director Curtis Foltz added, "This new inland port is located in an industrial belt,

which includes the production and export of carpet and flooring, automobiles and tires. The Appalachian Regional Port will make those commodities more competitive in the global market by saving port customers money on inland transit costs."

Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation announces its 2015 awards cycle

For more information on the inland port project, contact DCA Region 1 Community Services Division Representative Patrick Vickers at patrick.vickers@dca.ga.gov.

Keep Georgia Beautiful (KGB) is not only the first state network of Keep America Beautiful but the largest as well. In partnership with and housed at DCA's headquarters in Atlanta, KGB inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment.

The Keep Georgia Beautiful Awards Program honors those whose ongoing efforts in community improvement, waste reduction, and/or litter prevention exemplify leadership in protecting Georgia's environment. The Awards Program is based on the belief that positive reinforcement of hardworking and deserving individuals advances KGB's mission and is a key way to create sustainable communities. See who won in the 2014 Awards Program.

Jessica Reynolds to lead DCA's Office of Downtown Development

The first place winners in the 2015 awards cycle will be recognized at the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation Annual Awards event on December 16 at the Marriott Century Center Hotel in Atlanta.
KGB is now accepting applications, and the deadline to apply is October 14 for all awards. Click here for more information about the 2015 awards process.

Georgia Dream program releases new informational videos

Jessica Reynolds began serving as Director of the Office of Downtown Development on September 1 following the departure of Billy Peppers, who recently took the role of city manager in Canton, Ga. Jessica has most recently served as Communications & Training Coordinator for the office, a position she has held since 2013. Prior to her arrival at DCA, she worked at the High Museum of Art and as Main Street Director for the City of Carrollton, where her tenure was marked by over 500 net new jobs and almost $30 million of public and private

Georgians who dream of owning their own homes can find out how to get closer to making that dream a reality by checking out DCA's Georgia Dream homeownership program in a series of four new informational videos. Georgia Dream provides first mortgage loans, down payment assistance, and home buyer education to eligible home buyers. The four videos include a general overview of the program; one explaining who qualifies for the program; another about down payment assistance options for protectors, educators and healthcare professionals (PEN); and one about down payment assistance options for those in households with individuals living with a disability (CHOICE).

funds invested into Carrollton's revitalization efforts as well as five state awards received. Jessica also holds a BFA from the University of West Georgia and was a recipient of UWG's 2013 "30 under 30" Award.

Casey Moore joins CDBG Field Services team

View the four Georgia Dream videos here.
Building Officials Association of Georgia visits with DCA team

Casey Moore recently became one of four DCA CDBG Field Services representatives after serving the City of Leesburg for over seven years. The team monitors and services the CDBG programs and provides technical assistance to administrators and local governments. Casey and her family live in Lee County, where she has a strong network in the southwest Georgia area. She is also a certified municipal clerk and certified finance clerk, bringing experience in grantmaking and administration. Click here to view DCA's realigned CDBG Field Services territories and all field services representatives' contact information.
Regions 5 and 10 gain new Community Services team reps

Representatives of the Building Officials Association of Georgia (BOAG) met with DCA Commissioner Camila Knowles on August 17 at the DCA headquarters in Atlanta.
BOAG is an association of over 200 members primarily representing local government building code officials and those involved in building design, construction, testing and research of the code industry. The association has been in existence for over 50 years and has grown since 1958 from 12 members to nine chapters across Georgia. They provide consistent code interpretation, a forum for discussion, ongoing education, standards for code knowledge, and a technical certification program for their members.
Pictured, from left, are DCA Director of Construction Codes Ted Miltiades, Chatham County's Director of Building Safety and Regulatory Services Gregori S. Anderson, DCA Commissioner Knowles, Building Official/Regional Manager for Charles Abbott Associates, Inc. Bill Duck, and President of BOAG/Building Official for the City of Albany William 'Tracy' Hester. For more information about BOAG, visit www.boagcodes.org.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FINANCING

DCA is happy to welcome two new Community Services Division Regional Representatives, bringing the team up to full strength to act as the "front door" to all of DCA's services, programs and

August Financial Awards
Region 3: Clayton County The Development Authority of Clayton County was awarded $210,000 in Regional Economic Business Assistance (REBA) funds to assist in the location of a facility for Castellini Holding Company LLC. The location will

assistance. Beth Eavenson, pictured left, will cover Region 5, while Gina Webb, right, will service Region 10. Both joined the team in August.
Beth most recently served as the Executive Director of the Development Authority of Elbert County, Elberton and Bowman. She is involved in the Georgia Economic Developers Association and the International Economic Development Council's Young Professionals Advisory Committee. She lives with her husband in Elberton where she serves on the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club and as a member of the Elberton/Mure-Cho Japan Sister City Committee.

provide 300 new jobs as well as $30,000,000 in new investment for the community within 36 months. The estimated project cost is $53,703,400.
Region 5: Jackson County The Development Authority of Jefferson, Ga., in Jackson County was awarded $300,000 in REBA funds to assist in the location of a facility for HomeGoods, Inc. The location will provide 500 new jobs as well as $60,000,000 in new investment for the community within 60 months. The estimated project cost is $86,143,000.
Region 9: Laurens County The City of Cadwell in Laurens County was awarded $27,471.00 in CDBG funds to assist in the removal of sludge from the Wastewater Treatment Pond. The sludge removal will benefit 528 persons of whom 465 are low- to moderate-income.

Gina served for the previous ten years as the Executive Director of the Terrell County Chamber of Commerce. She has served as a board member for the Southwest Georgia Chamber Council, Locate South Georgia, Plantation Trace Travel Association, Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, and Dawson Rotary Club. She is a graduate of Leadership Terrell and the Georgia Academy for Economic Development. She and her family reside in Sasser.
Click here to access our Community Services Division map showing the regions, along with the contact listings for all 12 of our team members.

UPCOMING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
HomeSafe Georgia events in October
Events for October 2015: Fall Job Fair, October 2; 10 AM - 2 PM; Winder Community Center, 113 E. Athens Street in Winder Robins Air Force Base Civilian Personnel Services Job Fair, October 2; 9 AM - 1 PM; Heritage Club in Warner Robins

Deputy Commissioner Carmen Chubb tapped for prestigious
Leadership Cobb program

South Clayton Job Fair, October 6; 10 AM - 2 PM; South Clayton Recreation Center, 1837 McDonough Road in Hampton
The 2015 Seniors and Baby Boomer Expo, October 17; Noon to 5 PM, Mall at Stonecrest in Lithonia

Rockdale County Open House with honorary host Congressman Hank Johnson, October 17; 9 AM - 3 PM; Homeowners Employment Corporation; SunTrust Bank Building A, 1530 Highway 138 S., Suite 200 in Conyers; To register, call 404-492-6554

DeKalb County Open House with honorary host Congressman Hank Johnson, October 24; 9 AM - 3 PM; D&E Community Achievement Center; 4522 Flat Shoals Pkwy in Decatur; To register, call 770-961-6900

DCA's Deputy Commissioner of Housing programs, Carmen Chubb, has been selected to join the Cobb Chamber of Commerce's premier leadership development program called Leadership Cobb in the Class of 2016. While hundreds of people were nominated, only 50 class members were chosen for the esteemed program that starts this fall and runs through spring 2016. Class members were selected from business, industry, education, government and other professions as well as from volunteer, civic and religious organizations. Throughout the class year, each program will explore the high ideals of self-discovery -- giving the class opportunities to expand their talents and leadership potential while creating a positive impact on the community. Through combining lectures and dialogues with speakers and interaction with leaders in the Cobb community, class members are introduced to an extensive variety of economic, political, social and educational factors present in Cobb County. Congratulations to Carmen on the honor of being selected!

About HomeSafe Georgia It is a free, state government program to help homeowners who are unemployed, underemployed or face other types of financial hardships save their homes from foreclosure. There is no cost to apply and no fee if approved. A homeowner who has experienced a financial hardship within the last 36 months -- such as the loss of a job, military service, death of a spouse, or medical problems -- may be eligible for assistance. For more information, visit www.HomeSafeGeorgia.com.
ARC announces Appalachian Gateway Communities Initiative workshops
Many North Georgia counties consider their history and natural areas some of their most important assets. In order to help communities maximize these assets, the national Appalachian Regional Commission is hosting the Appalachian Gateway Communities Initiative. This initiative provides support for natural and cultural heritage tourism activities in Appalachia's gateway communities, and specifically in those communities near national forests, landmarks, parks and heritage areas.

Dates for southeastern ARC workshops:

Housing practitioners should plan to attend 2015 Georgia
Housing Conference
Organized by the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) and sponsors UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences, UGA Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach, the Georgia Municipal Association, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, and Georgia Power, this one-day conference at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education in Athens will include sessions on best practices and successful strategies related to housing. Highlight events include a keynote address by Purpose Built Communities President

Dec 1-3 (2015) at Union Church and Berea College in Berea, KY February 9-11 (2016) at Joe Wheeler State Park in Rogersville, AL
Conducted by The Conservation Fund, the workshops will assist each community team in developing an action plan for capitalizing on their specific natural and cultural resources. Eligible gateway communities must be located in an ARC distressed, at-risk or transitional county. The cost to participate in the workshop is $550 per team, and financial assistance is available. Applications are due on October 6, 2015.
Click here for more information and to apply. Or contact DCA's ARC Program Manager Annaka Woodruff at annaka.woodruff@dca.ga.gov for more information.

Carol Naughton at 9:00, an awards luncheon at 11:45, and a closing session with presenter Nancy Welsh of the Builders of Hope Board of Directors. An optional mobile tour will be conducted throughout Athens-Clarke County from 3:00-5:30 with Athens Housing Authority Executive Director Rick Parker.

MORE ARC NEWS...
DCA's Annaka Woodruff to present in Athens at Northeast GA Regional Commission workshop Oct. 20

Along with networking opportunities with up to 200 local and state housing leaders and practitioners from all industry sectors, registrants will receive a booklet with details and contact information for the award-winning programs in the following categories: community involvement, affordable rental housing, homeownership, neighborhood revitalization, and adaptive reuse.
Click here to register for the 2015 Georgia Housing Conference.

Woodruff will speak on "Funding Sustainable Economic Development Projects." Other presenters and their topics include City of Porterdale City Manager Bob Thomson on economic development at the community level and Georgia Environmental Finance Authority Program Manager Michael Roberts on the infrastructure for sustainable projects. Contact Julie Ball atjball@NEGRC.org for event reservations.

Cost is $85.00 if by Sept. 30 or $95.00 after.
For more information, contact GICH Program Coordinator and Georgia Housing Conference Chair Karen Tinsley at 706.338.8977 or klt@uga.edu.

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